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What Is Meant By Head Damaged Sperms? What Does This Indicate And How To Overcome This?

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Posted on Tue, 26 Feb 2013
Question: i m 30 yrs old man. Dr pls tell me what is meant by head damaged sperms, and the causes of the same
i also want to know how to overcome this
thanks..
doctor
Answered by Dr. Aarti Abraham (1 hour later)
Hello Mr. XXXXXXX
Thank you for your health query.
Head damaged sperms indicate abnormal sperm morphology ( shape of the sperm ).
Sperm morphology reflects the quality of sperm production (spermatogenesis). Abnormal morphology (teratospermia) is associated with male factor infertility , and hence with reduced fertilization and pregnancy rates.
To elaborate :

Normal forms
Normal sperm have oval head shapes, an intact central or "mid" section, and an uncoiled, single tail.

Abnormal heads
Many different sperm head abnormalities may be seen. Large heads (macrocephalic), small heads (microcephalic) and an absence of identifiable head are all seen in evaluations. Tapering sperm heads, pyriform heads (teardrop shape) and duplicate or double heads have been seen. Overall (gross) abnormalities in appearance may be termed "amorphous" changes.

Abnormal tails
Coiling and bending of the tail are sometimes seen. Broken tails of less than half normal length should be categorized abnormal. Double, triple and quadruple tails are seen and are abnormal. Cytoplasmic droplets along the tail may indicate an immature sperm.

Ideally speaking, more than 30 % of sperms should have normal shape. When the number of normal forms is < 4%, there usually is reduced count and or motility as well. In these patients, IVF ( in vitro fertilization ) is generally recommended for fertility.Some studies suggest that in patients with a mildly abnormal semen analysis, IUI may increase the chance of pregnancy compared to intercourse.

Major causes include : Infections, High fever, Usage of illegal drugs, Alcohol consumption, Congenital testicular abnormalities, Varicocele – Enlargement of veins within the scrotum. Toxin exposure , Cigarette smoke , organic solvents etc.

Ideally you should consult an Andrologist/urologist who will examine you completely, and order further hormonal testing/testicular biopsy/ further sperm function tests and then accordingly guide you.

A repeat semen analysis would be ordered after a span of 4 - 6 weeks. If there are abnormalities on more parameters, you would be advised IVF, or else, if there is a treatable cause, then treatment would be accordingly advised.
At present, avoid smoking/drugs/exposure to toxins/tight clothing etc.

There is no known method to treat abnormalities in shape of sperm, if it is a permanent condition.

Take care, and feel free to ask for further clarifications.





Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Aarti Abraham (15 hours later)
Dr
my semen analysis is as follows

slow progressive-32%
non progressive-35%
immottile- 33%
normal sperm majority are head defective

what does this report means
and i also want to know the way ahead?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Aarti Abraham (1 hour later)
Hi,
Kindly scan and attach the complete semen analysis report so I can opine better.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Aarti Abraham

OBGYN

Practicing since :1998

Answered : 6004 Questions

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What Is Meant By Head Damaged Sperms? What Does This Indicate And How To Overcome This?

Hello Mr. XXXXXXX
Thank you for your health query.
Head damaged sperms indicate abnormal sperm morphology ( shape of the sperm ).
Sperm morphology reflects the quality of sperm production (spermatogenesis). Abnormal morphology (teratospermia) is associated with male factor infertility , and hence with reduced fertilization and pregnancy rates.
To elaborate :

Normal forms
Normal sperm have oval head shapes, an intact central or "mid" section, and an uncoiled, single tail.

Abnormal heads
Many different sperm head abnormalities may be seen. Large heads (macrocephalic), small heads (microcephalic) and an absence of identifiable head are all seen in evaluations. Tapering sperm heads, pyriform heads (teardrop shape) and duplicate or double heads have been seen. Overall (gross) abnormalities in appearance may be termed "amorphous" changes.

Abnormal tails
Coiling and bending of the tail are sometimes seen. Broken tails of less than half normal length should be categorized abnormal. Double, triple and quadruple tails are seen and are abnormal. Cytoplasmic droplets along the tail may indicate an immature sperm.

Ideally speaking, more than 30 % of sperms should have normal shape. When the number of normal forms is < 4%, there usually is reduced count and or motility as well. In these patients, IVF ( in vitro fertilization ) is generally recommended for fertility.Some studies suggest that in patients with a mildly abnormal semen analysis, IUI may increase the chance of pregnancy compared to intercourse.

Major causes include : Infections, High fever, Usage of illegal drugs, Alcohol consumption, Congenital testicular abnormalities, Varicocele – Enlargement of veins within the scrotum. Toxin exposure , Cigarette smoke , organic solvents etc.

Ideally you should consult an Andrologist/urologist who will examine you completely, and order further hormonal testing/testicular biopsy/ further sperm function tests and then accordingly guide you.

A repeat semen analysis would be ordered after a span of 4 - 6 weeks. If there are abnormalities on more parameters, you would be advised IVF, or else, if there is a treatable cause, then treatment would be accordingly advised.
At present, avoid smoking/drugs/exposure to toxins/tight clothing etc.

There is no known method to treat abnormalities in shape of sperm, if it is a permanent condition.

Take care, and feel free to ask for further clarifications.